BOXING: Shields to defend undisputed heavyweight crown against Crews-Dezurn

Boxing’s undisputed heavyweight champion Claressa Shields is set to defend her titles against Franchon Crews-Dezurn in Detroit next February, organisers announced Tuesday. This will mark Shields’ first fight since signing a landmark deal with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records.

Shields, 30, remains undefeated in her 17 professional bouts. She became the first undisputed women’s heavyweight champion after defeating Danielle Perkins in February. In November, she signed an $8 million multi-year contract with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, which the promotion company described as the richest deal in women’s boxing history.

A two-time Olympic champion, Shields has faced Crews-Dezurn before, winning by unanimous decision in 2016 during both fighters’ professional debuts. Their upcoming rematch promises to be a high-stakes showdown for boxing fans. -Aadi Nair/Reuters